Peppermint Bark Popcorn

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Welcome to your new favorite holiday treat. Let me tell you why this is my go-to for holiday parties and neighbor gifts!

You can make one huge batch and have TONS to share and pack up. I hate slaving over beautiful cookies and only having enough for a couple plates.

It’s super quick and easy to make and also inexpensive and requires minimal ingredients.

It lasts for several days, so you can make it early and not be rushed to pass it out if you need some time.

It packs well, so you can put it in bags or cups or a big bowl or any cute container for sharing.

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE goes crazy for this stuff.

Before I show you how to make this, I’m going to tell you about one of my best kept secrets! You know how when you buy a gourmet popcorn mix the popcorn itself is huge and puffy and doesn’t look anything like the regular popcorn you use? It’s called mushroom popcorn! It has nothing to do with mushrooms other than the shape. Check this out:

See how perfectly round and HUGE it is?? It is THE best for making caramel corn or popcorn mixes like this one and will make it look super gourmet! I buy mine from Amazon, this has been my favorite brand so far with the highest ratio of mushroom kernels. Seriously it’s amazing!

You can also use a bag of microwave popcorn. If you’re doing that I suggest looking for one that’s “natural” or just lightly salted so you don’t get a weird yellow color.

Once your popcorn is popped and ready, melt some almond bark according to the package directions. Almond bark has no almonds in it, it’s simply a white candy coating- similar to white chocolate only it melts much better.

While that’s melting, you can smash up some candy canes. Unwrapping the candy canes to crush them is the most labor intensive step of this easy treat, so you can do that ahead of time if you want to. I put my candy canes in a large zip-lock bag and have a whack with a heavy marble rolling pin or my meat mallet. Put your bag on top of a kitchen towel to make it easier. You can also use those round peppermint candies. Either dump them in with your popcorn, or I toss them right on top of my melted almond bark.

You’ll also add in some peppermint extract, or peppermint oil. Extract can sometimes seize up the almond bark just a little, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Just stir it around quick and pour it over the popcorn and start tossing.

Stir everything until it’s well coated and then pour it out onto a piece of waxed paper, parchment, or foil. Spread it out into an even layer. If it’s cold outside, I set this out on my porch to harden up while I mix up the last step. While the popcorn is setting, place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. I really like dark chocolate to counter-balance the sweetness of the almond bark, but I know there’s a lot of dark haters, so do what you want! Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn. You can use a fork, or put it in a zip-lock bag with the corner cut off.

Leave it until the almond bark and the chocolate is hardened. If you need to hurry it up, do this whole process on lined cookie sheets you can pop in the fridge.When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth, and done!

Instructions

Place popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. When completely melted, add extract or peppermint oil. If using extract, it’s normal for the almond bark to seize (get lumpy) which is okay, just stir very quickly, the more you wait the more it will seize.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let mixture dry completely until chocolate and almond bark are hardened. You may place in the fridge to speed process along.

When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth!

Notes

Notes

If you’re using microwave popcorn, try to find an unbuttered or “natural” kind because this looks much prettier if the popcorn isn’t bright yellow! Lightly salted is fine, I actually like a little salt in there, but avoid heavy buttered.

Also, if you can find flavored oils, like you would use for candy making, use them as they will best combine with the almond bark. If using extract, it’s not unusual for it to cause the almond bark to seize, but just stir quickly and pour immediately on popcorn. Once distributed it will be just fine.

I swear, every single thing you guys post looks so good. I always feel like a dork because I always come here and comment: “I am gonna have to try this one…” but it is so true. Y.U.M. You guys are awesome!

I am interested in trying this- I never mix popcorn and chocolate… BUT since Thanksgiving we had your Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, and the Focacia bread for Turkey leftovers yesterday.. (and all of them were HUGE hits) I will have to trust you and give this a try!

Christina- do you have the mini bags or something? The internet told me that a standard bag of microwave popcorn has 14 cups in it so I went with that. But I just looked and I have a few different brands and they all say 10 cups. So I’m gonna say that 10 cups is standard! Also, ironically I’m making this right now, so I measured and sure enough, exactly 10 cups. So I’m going to say you need 20 cups popped popcorn. Does that make sense? If you’re confused about the bags you have, just pop them and measure.

I’m so happy so many of you have tried this and love it as much as I do! I just wanted to leave a note because I’ve edited this recipe in the past few days. So if anyone thinks they’re losing their mind because things keep changing, it’s not you, it’s me! lol. And really, I just fine-tuned it a bit. Just an FYI, from the original,

Well, I’ve tried it with both the soft peppermints and the regular candy canes, and my vote is for the candy canes. But both are good! I took it to an RS cookie exchange and it disappeared. And someone just called this afternoon to beg the recipe off me!

I’ve made three batches now. The first I forgot the peppermint extract but it worked well. The next two I remembered the peppermint, but as soon as I stirred it in, the almond bark set up. Have you had this problem?

LuckyMatt- yes, when you add alcohol to almond bark it will seize a bit, but not so much that you can’t stir it in. It’s a little scary if you start seeing clumps, but I find that if I pour it on the popcorn right away and stir really well, it coats just fine! I’ve also noticed that different brands of almond bark react differently to the extract. I used a local brand yesterday and was a lot different than the one I was used to.

I was wondering about this, I freaked when it seized a bit when I added the peppermint. I have pure peppermint oil, I wonder if that would work better. I also wonder if the peppermint extract was warm if it wouldn’t seize up. ALSO, do you really use only 1 lb or do you use the whole 24 oz package?

I just read you can use 1 lb vanilla chips melted with 1 tablespoon butter to make your own bark. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to make my own peppermint extract (since the stores are closed now)!

I had the same problem this evening as Michelle. I was taking this to book club. I think it worked out ok but it was definitely not easy to mix in and doesn't look anywhere near as pretty as the pictures. My almond bark turned into a paste even before all the extract was mixed in. Any suggestion on what brand to buy?

Michelle and Chu33la- that's weird, I'm not sure what to tell you because I've never had that happen and I've used several different brands. The only thing I can think of is maybe it wasn't hot enough so it wasn't melted all the way? You could try adding less extract and seeing if that helps. It should seize up a little, but should stir up just fine.

If you use peppermint oil instead of extract, it won't seize. You can get the oil in the Wilton section of stores like WM and Michaels. It's used for candy making. It might be available at the grocery store.

All I need to do is add the chocolate and it is finished… i must say, I snuck a little taste and it is even better than I had anticipated and remember, that is sans chocolate…. I can't imagine what the finished will be like!

I am so excited that I found your blog on today. I will make all three of the popcorn recipes and give as gifts in sets of three in cello bags. I know all of my co-workers will be excited about receiving the popcorn treats. Thank you for your generosity and your great instructions.

I made your recipe tonight and it turned out great! Very yummy–I hope I can stop eating it so there will be some left to put on the plate of goodies I'll be giving to the neighbors. It's nice to have something a little out of the ordinary to add.

Thanks for all your effort in posting so many tasty recipes on your blog. I check it almost every week and have added some of your recipes to my rotation of menus. Hawaiian turkey burgers, spicy honey chicken, asian lettuce wraps and creamy chicken tacquitos are my favorites. I made your Brazilian lemonade at a luncheon I had at my house, and the ladies all enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!

This is fantastic! I've made it three times. I mix the popcorn with the melted almond bark with my hands. It's easier than fighting with a spoon, especially if the almond bark has seized up. Thank you for a great recipe!

Thanks for the recipe! I made a 1/3 sized batch to test out with some friends, and it was a hit! I'll be making at least 2 batches to put in tins to giveaway at our Christmas Eve celebration 🙂 I couldn't find any non-buttered microwave popcorn. Seems like the trend is Butter, Extra Butter, Ultimate Butter, Butter lovers, Movie Theatre butter, etc. so I used microwave kettle corn. It worked great!

I can't find any almond bark anywhere. Where do you typically buy it? I looked in 2 different grocery stores. Anyway, I am going to try the white chocolate but now I'm worried about adding the extract. Oh well! I'm sure it will turn out fine. My first time doing anything with popcorn! Live and Learn!

I went to four stores and finally settled on Candiquik. It worked well. I also used peppermint oil, which like Sara said, doesn’t seize up. My chocolate chips weren’t melting well so I added some coconut oil. Well see if it hardens up the way it ought to. I think it should, just because coconut oil will naturally harden up once it’s cooled down. I’m excited to pass this out to neighbors!

Melissa- it's usually by the chocolate chips, often on the top or bottom shelf. It should be easy to find this time of year and it's often in the holiday displays at the grocery store. Did you ask anyone at the store? I've found at the holidays they often move it. Or, it's popular this time of year so sometimes it's sold out 🙁

OMG! This is so wonderful! I couldn't keep my hands out of it even before the chocolate was drizzled on it! Can't wait to taste it when it is all set up! Thanks for the tip…it worked but I need a larger bowl b/c this was a little messy! Will definitely be making one more if not two batches!

I am back for the 2nd time for this Peppermint Bark Popcorn recipe! I made it last year for my annual Cookie Exchange party….. everyone loved it! I will be making this a tradition in our house! Thank you!!

This looks amazing! I have a question though, and I'll probably look pretty dumb asking it! I'm not a baker at all, but I always thought almond bark was hunks of chocolate with almonds in it? I don't see anything that resembles my idea of almond bark in the photos! unless it's white chocolate almond bark you used.. but I still don't see almonds in there! Am I missing out on something? 🙂

meaaghaan- not a dumb question! Almond bark just refers to the big blocks of white candy coating. It looks like a big chunk of white chocolate- with no nuts! It got its name because you can add almonds or anything else you want to it and make your own "bark" but it's sold plain!

I can't find almond bark anywhere in Maryland and no one's ever heard of it! I've checked Safeway, Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Walmart, and even a candy making supply shop. The man at the candy making supply shop had't heard about the plain kind you mentioned in your comment. I saw your recommendation to melt shortening with white chocolate chips. Should I try 1/2 tsp. of shortening with every 1/2 cup of chips?

While I was cruising through your blog today, came across this recipe and put it in action. I had "mint" extract which is spearminty, not pepperminty, so didn't use any and it turned out GREAT! I love a good recipe that uses everything I happen to have on hand and boy was it easy and delicious. From this pregnant, popcorn, candy cane loving woman, THANK YOU! Great recipe!

I just made this and let me tell you- you are a genius! I was able to let my 5 and 7 year old do the work and they had a blast! This tastes so good I have to make more in the near future cause this wont last long.

I made this popcorn last Christmas and gave them out as Christmas gifts in cute containers. It’s November and people are already asking if I’ll be making this popcorn again this year. This is so yummy and it never lasts long. Thank you for the recipe.

I got this from a friend and HAD to make it for myself. Love it! The first time I made it I accidentally only used 10 cups of popcorn. It was a little heavy, (dare I say it??), but still SO delicious! NOTE TO SELF: 20 cups popcorn next time! Oh, and Butter Light microwave or what kind of popcorn is best??

Did I miss something or did you say where the crushed candy canes play their part? I guess I just mix them in with the finished project? Or does the almond bark need to be poured on them along with the popcorn so it sticks together? Also, since almond bark is similar to white chocolate, can I substitute white chocolate?

Ej- Within the post it says “Once they’re crushed, dump them in a big bowl with some popcorn. ” On the printable recipe it says “Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top.”

I agree with an earlier comment; if you use oil instead of an extract, the coating shouldn’t sieze up. Crikey! Last year I gave out your Cinnabon popcorn, if I do the peppermint bark this year, people are going to start thinking I am a great cook!

I know I’m late to the party here, but I made this last night. First? TOTALLY DELICIOUS. WOW. Second? I did not have very much almond bark, but I did have most of a bag of red candy melts. I used the candy melts plus two squares of almond bark (so together it was a pound). I used extract and had no problems with seizing up at all, plus the popcorn ended up all festive and red. I assume candy melts are more expensive (I just used what I had on hand), but I’d still spring for them if I (when!) I make this again. Thanks for another great recipe!

Weird question from someone who doesn’t cook much–I have some peppermint oil from doTerra and I was wondering if that kind of peppermint oil would work or if there is a different kind that is used for cooking? I can’t wait to try this!

OK, I’ll admit this tastes delicious, and looks lovely. But I had a terrible time making it. I’m hoping that 90% of my problems stem from my attempts to use white chips (both stores in town were sold out of almond bark!). I will try this again…after I recover from this debacle.

Hi, Sara! Thank you for wonderful recipe! Just made it and it rocks. However, when I followed original measurements, it did seem too sweet for me, so I popped an emergency batch of popcorn and mixed with the first. (So glad you increased amount of popcorn) It still worked ok, and brought sweetness down. Also, despite of checking the recipe before I went shopping, I, somehow, missed mint extract. Luckily, I had green mint chocolate chips, which I used instead of dark chocolate. Next time, I think, I will just drizzle popcorn with green mint and dark chocolate and sprinkle with candy canes.

I made this over the weekend for my neighbor/work gifts. AMAZING!! My husband was sad when I put the last of it in gifts bags to hand out. This may be my new favorite holiday treat. Thanks for the great idea.

Again amazing treats. My son said I should start selling my goodies. Haha I actually used the Bob’s mini candy canes, guesstimated about 6 oz, and unwrapping was a snap. Simply cut the wrapper and drop the candy cane out. So much easier than peeling the wrappers off the big candy canes. Everyone who has tried this loves it. Thank you for such delicious recipes. 🙂

Wow! Loved it! I didn’t use the microwave but melted the chocolate and almond bark stove top. I did use Spangler (all we had) and it was still incredible. Dark Chocolate was the perfect choice. We also did a small batch with a few turns of a Sea Salt grinder added to the popcorn mix and it was supper yummy!

Amazing! So easy and yummy, my family loved it!! It makes such a great gift! I had no trouble with seizing using peppermint extract. We’ve also made the rice krispie treats several times. Maybe you should have a section devoted to peppermint…I’m loving these recipes!

Made this for a Christmas gift & it was amazing!! The way to alleviate the seizing is to add a small amount of vegetable oil before you add the peppermint extract. I used white chocolate, added the oil and had no seizing at all! If you do use a bag of white chocolate chips though, you probably don’t need as much popcorn. I had a problem getting mine to coat because there was way more popcorn to chocolate, so I would recommend one and a half bags of popcorn. Wonderful recipe! I will definitely use it again & again!

I have made this peppermint bark popcorn from your recipe for the last 3 years for my annual cookie exchange. It’s a huge hit!! I separate it out in little Christmas treat bags and the girls take one (or five!) for their cookie platter. I love your recipes!!

what a dirty trick! the popcorn was made for me and I wanted the recipe. My friend sent it and I tried to print it off and this site would print nothing but the comments. That’s pretty poor. I wasted 17 pages and all that ink for NOTHING!

I wanted a more subtle mint flavor and left out the extract. It turned out perfectly and I am having a hard time giving it away as planned 🙂 I used the round starlight mints instead of candy canes (since it is February) and it turned out a gorgeous almost pink color perfect for Valentine’s day.

I’ve been looking around for almond bark. Bought some white chocolate and after reading that they use different oil bases, went out again to look, because I definitely want it to coat well. My question: I found CandiQuik Vanilla candy coating. Nowhere on it does it actually say almond bark, but it seems like the thing. Am I off again?

Unfortunately my local grocery store doesn’t carry almond bark. I need to stock up when I find it! Going to try white chocolate chips! Someone else also asked recently, but I didn’t see an answer, can I use doTerra peppermint essential oil?

I just found your recipe, and headed to the store. I bought chocolate flavored almond bark that’s brown, and then came home to double-check the recipe. Oops. Do you think that will taste bad? Should I drizzle with white chocolate to get the contrast? Thanks!

Wow, can you believe that you are still reading comments from a post 3 years ago! I have made this before and it’s amazing, but this year I am making it for a relief society christmas dinner, as a take home gift, any ideas/guesstimations on how many servings one batch makes. I need to make 50!

Made this yesterday and it is awesome! I used my cuisinart to chop up the candy canes. Another good trick I did was buy the smaller candy canes that come in cellophane bags. Much easieser to unwrap. I will make this one again for sure!

Hi Sara and Kate, So I’m not a huge fan of chocolate with popcorn but made the monster munch in October with popcorn and it was great. However, this time around for this munch I used Chex mix. Oh man, is it Heavenly!!!! We call it “Christmas Crack” at our house. Thanks for the recipe!

I know this comment is late but I have been making this for about five years now and it is always a favorite. My mom, who was a health and nutrition nut and never over-indulged, once ate a whole batch in the course of a day and half!

Crushing the candy canes has always been frustrating for me but two years ago I discovered King Leo crushed peppermint candy at Walmart. It’s $1.65 for a 5-oz bag of perfectly crushed high quality peppermint candy. For me it’s worth it to pay extra for it! Sometimes it goes on clearance at the end of the year too.

I found that if I mixed the almond bark first then sprinkle the candy over and mix again I get less on the bottom.